Adjustable Angle Exercise Machine with One-Directional Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines that concurrently engage upper and lower body muscles often require users to follow a fixed, circular range of motion, leading to inadequate sustained effort and limited ability to perform high-force, short-burst exercises, and are costly due to adjustable components needed for various user sizes and capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A machine with an adjustable angle frame allowing users to perform concurrent pushing and pulling motions with controlled range of motion, using a one-directional resistance mechanism and multi-link linkage system that does not rotate around a circular crank, enabling exercises like climbing, hiking, and crawling while accommodating different user sizes and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed circular crank mechanism is used to define range of motion, then the machine structure is simple, but the user cannot control the range of motion and the machine creates momentum that reduces exercise effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed circular crank mechanism with a dynamic linkage system that allows the user to control the range of motion. The linkage includes a pedal arm, a connecting rod, and a crank arm that can be adjusted by the user during operation, enabling real-time control of the exercise range while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable components are added to accommodate various user sizes and capabilities, then the machine becomes more versatile, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal linkage system where the same basic mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates different user sizes, allows control of range of motion, and provides resistance exercise. The linkage geometry can be adjusted by the user without requiring additional components, making the machine versatile while maintaining simplicity.
3Productivity
If a closed loop rotational linkage is used, then the machine operates smoothly, but the user must follow the complete predetermined range of motion which limits exercise intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closed loop rotational linkage into an open chain linkage system where the pedal arm, connecting rod, and crank arm are connected in sequence rather than forming a closed loop. This segmentation allows the user to control the range of motion by adjusting the position of the crank arm, enabling higher intensity exercises while maintaining smooth operation.
4Force
If the machine positions the user in a vertical orientation, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot generate maximum power by leaning forward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable frame that can be adjusted to different angles relative to the vertical position. The frame includes a backrest and seat that can be repositioned along a curved guide, allowing the user to lean forward at various angles to maximize power output during pushing and pulling exercises, while the frame structure remains relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper and lower body push and pull exercise machine with a rotatable one directional resistance mechanism and adjustable angle having a movable user support frame having a forward end and a rearward end and the rearward end is pivotable relative to the floor, an angle adjusting mechanism, movable lower body user supports having a foot support platform and a shin support pad operatively connected to the movable user support frame; movable upper body user supports having a gripping handle operatively connected to the movable user support frame, a linkage assembly operatively connected to all of the user supports, a rotatable one direction resistance mechanism operatively connected to the upper and lower body user supports for creating resistance to the exercise motion of the user supports, and a resistance mechanism drive assembly operatively connecting all of the user supports to the rotatable one direction resistance mechanism.